Impressive CGI images show transformation of Greater Manchester town - but plans have been rejected

Plans to extend a retail park with shops, bars and food outlets in shipping containers has been rejected due to ‘over-development’ fears. The proposals, for the King Street retail park in Farnworth also included outdoor seating areas with landscaping.

Developer Shadow Estates Ltd wanted to place eight prefabricated shipping containers which would house a variety of small businesses. They said the scheme would aim to emulate developments such as Spark in York, which bills itself as housing ‘exciting start-ups working in food, retail, arts and social enterprise’.

Artist impressions published in the plans showed U-shaped layout for the units with four seating benches and landscaping in the space in between. An officer report on the plans was broadly in support of the concept but described the location as ‘cramped and incongruous’.

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The report, said: “While in principle the council is supportive of concept behind the proposal, it is considered that the site, by virtue of its small size and location immediately adjacent to the highway is not particularly well suited to accommodate the proposal. “It is considered that there may be more suitable locations for the type of development elsewhere in Farnworth town centre.”

The notice rejecting the plans, said: “The proposed development would, by virtue of its layout, design and siting result in the over development of the plot and would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.”

A design and access statement, published in support of the plans, said: “The proposal hopes to be part of